Help for businesses during COVID-19

Page contents:

Coronavirus tests for your employees

You can no longer order free rapid lateral flow tests for your employees.

Instead you can:-

  • buy your own tests and set up your own workplace testing
  • pay an approved provider to provide tests or run a test site for you

If you cannot provide testing, you can ask your employees to get a rapid lateral flow test at home or at a test site. For more information visit our Coronavirus testing webpages.

NHS COVID19 app

The NHS COVID19 app launched on 24 September 2020. The NHS COVID19 app is still an important way to stop the spread of the virus - particularly as we head into another winter. For more information visit the NHS COVID19 app webpage.

Depending on your mobile device, visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store and search NHS COVID 19 app to download.

Other helpful links:-

Videos explaining the app and QR code requirement:-

Test and Trace and how to manage a possible COVID-19 outbreak

Test and Trace

To support the NHS Test and Trace service, it is vital that employers play their part by:

  • Following the latest government advice which explains how to work safely in a range of workplaces and situations
  • Ensuring employees get tested if they present any coronavirus symptoms
  • Encouraging employees to self-isolate if they have coronavirus symptoms or have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace
  • Supporting any employees who need to self-isolate. This will stop the spread in your workplace and community
  • Supporting staff to work from home if they feel able
  • Directing employees to the Government's advice about what will happen to their pay whilst isolating and to your own sickness procedures
  • If multiple cases of coronavirus appear in the workplace, employers should contact Surrey and Sussex's Health Protection teams to help manage the outbreak, by email - PHE.sshpu@nhs.net or telephone on 0344 225 3861 (option 3)
  • Sharing our communication resources with employees to ensure they are well-informed and know what to do if they have symptoms.

Detailed workplace guidance is available on the GOV.UK NHS Test and Trace in the workplace webpage.

How to manage a possible outbreak

Public Health England has created action cards for a range of business types to help owners and managers to manage an outbreak. These are designed to be printed or downloaded to keep on-hand in your business or organisation.

Reporting outbreaks

Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus is available on the gov.uk website.

Business Support

To find out how to access Coronavirus support for UK businesses and employees see GOV.UK Business Support.

In addition, for the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for employees, employers and businesses please look at the information on:

Growth Hubs

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is encouraging businesses across England to contact their local Growth Hub to gain free and impartial advice on local and national business support during the COVID-19 crisis. Surrey has two Growth Hubs for east and west Surrey businesses:

  • Coast to Capital Growth Hub – for businesses located in east Surrey (Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge)
  • Enterprise M3 Growth Hub - for businesses located in west Surrey (Elmbridge, Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Woking)

For further information about the Government announcement on support for businesses please contact your local district or borough council via their website link or email address below.

Advice for event organisers

If you are looking to hold an event, there is national guidance for events and attractions providing information on the practical considerations that apply to opening workplaces safely and organising events such as exhibitions, trade shows, live performances, festivals, street events and sporting events, while reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Two documents have also been developed locally to assist event organisers to ensure they comply with COVID-19 legislation and guidance, an event checklist and a risk assessment example template.

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards business advice service

If your business has a specific question relating to Coronavirus, please contact us. Our officers have been providing bespoke advice to Buckinghamshire and Surrey based businesses throughout the pandemic and they are here to support you.

Contact us

  • Telephone 0300 123 2329
  • Email business.advice@surreycc.gov.uk
  • Textphone (via Text Relay) 18001 0808 223 1133
  • SMS 07860 053465

Files available to download